How Can I Create and Manage Templates for Dashboards?

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Accessing the Function
3. Step-by-Step Guide
4. Limitations & Special Notes
5. Tips & Best Practices

Overview

Dashboard templates let you save the layout and contents of an existing dashboard for reuse. Active templates are automatically applied when setting up new clients. You can also choose to roll out a template to all current clients right away when you create it. This ensures all dashboards remain up to date and structured according to your standards.

Accessing the Function

You can access dashboard templates through the dashboard menu. Click the Settings icon (three dots) in the top right of your dashboard and select Manage Templates. This option is visible only if you have the required permissions and are in an agency account.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Open Template Management

To access template management, open the Settings menu in your dashboard and choose Manage Templates. Here, you’ll see an overview of all existing templates. If there aren’t any templates yet, a message will say “No templates yet!” In this window, you can create new templates, activate, deactivate, or delete existing ones.

Step 2: Create a New Template

Click New in the Manage Templates window to create a template. In the Template Name (visible only to you) field, provide a descriptive name, such as “DSP Basics Set” or “Retail KPI Overview.”

Under Copy from:, select the dashboard whose structure should serve as the template’s base. Note that AMC dashboards are not available for selection here.

You can optionally check Apply to all clients now if you want the new template to be distributed to all current client accounts immediately.

Once all required fields are filled, click Create to save the template. Click Cancel to exit without saving.

Activating/Deactivating Templates

In the template list, use the three-dot menu beside each template to set it as active or inactive. Click Activate to have the template automatically used for new clients. Use Deactivate to prevent the template from being assigned to any new accounts. The status badge shows whether a template is currently active.

Deleting a Template: Remove Templates You No Longer Need

To fully remove a template, click the three-dot menu and select Delete. After a confirmation prompt, the template will be permanently deleted. It will no longer be available for new or existing clients. However, dashboards already assigned to clients with this template will remain and will not be deleted.

Limitations & Special Notes

• Permissions: Only users with certain roles or permissions – usually administrators – can manage templates.
• AMC Dashboards: This type of dashboard cannot be used as a template source.
• Required fields: To create a template, you must enter an internal name and select an existing dashboard. Otherwise, the Create button will remain inactive.
• Automatic distribution: Only active templates are assigned to newly created clients. If you select Apply to all clients now when creating, all existing accounts get the template right away.
• Dashboards already copied to clients remain, even if the underlying template is later deactivated or deleted.

Tips & Best Practices

• Give your templates clear, distinct names – ideally based on use case, such as “Programmatic Overview,” “Sales KPIs,” or “Monitoring Basics.” This helps your team quickly find the right template.
• Set a new template to inactive at first if it’s unfinished or should be tested before becoming available to all clients.